A shadow now falls over the distinguished career of Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University. Newly revealed details indicate he and his wife spent part of their honeymoon on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, a revelation that has triggered a swift and significant fallout.
The trip occurred in December 2005, shortly after Summers and Elisa F. New were married. Flight logs show they arrived via helicopter, making a brief stop on the island as part of a broader Caribbean honeymoon that also included St. John and Jamaica. A spokesperson for Summers acknowledged the visit, characterizing it as a short one.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, records indicate Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate and accomplice, was also on the flight. This connection places Summers in the company of key figures implicated in Epstein’s horrific crimes, raising serious questions about judgment and association.
The timing of the visit is particularly troubling. It occurred six months after police in Palm Beach, Florida, initiated an investigation into Epstein following allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl. The investigation was underway even as Summers enjoyed hospitality on Epstein’s property.
The disclosure of these details has already cost Summers a prominent position. He resigned from the board of OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking AI technology ChatGPT, amidst mounting scrutiny. This followed an earlier announcement stepping back from all public commitments.
The revelations stem from the release of over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate, made public following a vote by U.S. lawmakers. The documents paint a picture of a friendly relationship between Summers and the convicted sex offender, extending well beyond Epstein’s initial legal troubles.
Emails released as part of the trove reveal correspondence on a range of topics, including discussions about a woman Summers expressed interest in. The content suggests a level of familiarity and comfort that is now deeply unsettling in light of Epstein’s crimes.
The push for transparency surrounding the Epstein files was hard-fought, overcoming months of resistance. Ultimately, a bill forcing the Justice Department to release the documents was signed into law, bringing these disturbing details to light.
The controversy even reached the White House, with President Trump specifically mentioning Summers while criticizing questions about the Epstein files. Trump claimed to have distanced himself from Epstein years ago, also naming Bill Clinton alongside Summers in his remarks.
The unfolding situation represents a significant crisis for Larry Summers, raising profound questions about his associations and the ethical considerations surrounding his continued public role. The full extent of the damage to his reputation remains to be seen.
